Liberty Soar Past Sky with Record-Breaking Three-Point Performance
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Natasha Cloud adn Kennedy burke combined for 35 points, leading New York to a dominant victory over Chicago.
The New York Liberty defeated the Chicago Sky on Thursday night with a final score of 99-74, fueled by a historic three-point shooting display. Natasha Cloud and Kennedy Burke each connected on four three-pointers,contributing to the Liberty’s dominant performance.
Sabrina Ionescu added 16 points for the Liberty (2-0),who made 19 of 34 three-point attempts,setting a new franchise record. In their season opener, New York shot just 4 of 21 from beyond the arc in a 92-78 victory over the Las Vegas aces.
Breanna Stewart scored 12 points and made two three-pointers, while Jonquel Jones contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks. Ionescu and Marine Johannes each added two three-pointers.
Cloud led the team with 18 points and eight assists, and Burke scored 17 points. The Liberty took control of the game in the second quarter, outscoring the Sky 25-9.
In the first half, New York shot 58.6 percent from the field and 8 of 15 from three-point range, taking a 53-32 lead. Chicago struggled, shooting 32.3 percent and committing 16 turnovers, which resulted in 18 points for the Liberty.
The Liberty finished the game shooting 55.2 percent from the field, while the Sky (0-2) shot 36.2 percent.
chicago’s Angel Reese grabbed 12 rebounds but struggled offensively, shooting 0 of 8 from the field and 2 of 6 from the free-throw line.Her only points came from two free throws with 6:18 remaining in the game.
Rachel Banham scored 15 points, Courtney Vandersloot added 14, and Rebecca Allen contributed 11 for Chicago, who have been outscored by 60 points in their first two games.
Ionescu scored 10 points and jones had eight as New York led 28-23 after the first quarter. The Liberty began to pull away by scoring the first eight points of the second quarter.
New York led 36-30 before Stewart hit a three-pointer to spark a 15-0 run, which included three-pointers from Burke and Marine Johannes.
Vandersloot and Ariel Atkins each hit a three-pointer as the Sky scored the first eight points of the second half,closing the gap to 53-40. though, Reese was assessed a technical foul after a loose ball with 7:49 left in the third quarter.
Ionescu then made a free throw, which started a 12-4 run for the Liberty.
Cloud scored the last six points of New York in the third quarter and the first five points of the fourth quarter.
“The Liberty took control of the game in the second quarter,outscoring the Sky 25-9.”
